Message #60941

[itsme_calista]

I have three children, and have experience being a working mum and stay at home mum. Two of my children are rarely ill, they don't even get colds.  The third was diagnosed with leukaemia in Oct 2004.  At the time I worked for a company part-time and they were supportive to start with, however after three months, the death of a close family member and my own health problem (stress) I started to get the back stabbing and people questionning my work, I found myself working extra hours, taking work home with me  to try to make up the time. After a short while, I quit the job.  The actual amount of time I had taken off in the three months was less than 3 days for her illness and 2 days for the funeral of my relative. The administrator next to me, who was childless had taken 16 days illness in the same time.

When a child is ill the best place for it to be is with the parent. Childminders, nurseries etc will not take a child who is ill and not all of us have grandparents who are available/able/willing to be backup childcarers.

It's only recently that my husband has returned to work after caring for the eldest child, and completing his degree.  We live frugally, are both educated and hard working.  

We set the example for our children. If you want something you work for it, if you are ill, then you work as best you can.  I resent being told you have kids, you shouldn't work or should only work part-time.  If more companies had family friendly policies then it wouldn't be such a problem.

My current boss is very understanding, he appreciates my work and knows in the balance that I will work through dinners, extra hours where I can.

Work/home balance is very difficult to juggle.